Check Out The Other Side: Dhanielle

"My hair doesn't define who I am. All that matters is that you feel amazing and confident with how you look."

What’s your name? Dhanielle

How old are you? 18

What do you do? I am a first year student attending the University of Toronto studying Criminology and Employment Relations.

Where are you? Canada

How did we met? We’re sisters :)

Describe your style. Whatever is clean, that can fit me.

Now Playing: Music for Love - Mario

Quote you live by: “Out of many, one people” – Jamaican Motto

Describe your hair?

Shoulder length, dark brown, straight.

Tell us a little about your hair history. How long have you had a relaxer? Why did you originally decide to relax your hair?

I’ve had a relaxer now for seven years, since I was eleven. Originally my mom decided to relax my hair to make it easier to manage.  And to be quite honest, I was tired of the traditional pigtails, with coloured "bubbles” and matching clips.

Where the reasons for relaxing your hair then, the same as the reasons for relaxing your hair now?

Now, the choice to relax my hair is entirely my own and not my mom’s. However, I still relax it because I find it much easier to manage and easier to style.

Describe your hair regime.

I usually wash my hair every two weeks. I recently discovered the brand Crème of Nature, and have fell in love! I use the Crème of Nature products that specifically contain argan oil. Both the shampoo and condition are about $6 each! (the shampoo is sulphate free!) Using the Argan Oil Moisture & Shine Shampoo, I wash my hair 2-3 times and then follow up with their Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment. With the conditioner in, I deep treat my hair under the dryer for 15 minutes. My hair not only smells amazing but feels hydrated and smooth. I also use the Moroccanoil Treatment from the Moroccanoil products. The bottle is small and a little expensive but it is totally worth it, to keep moisture in. Plus, you don’t really need that much oil per usage, so the product will last for a long time. Then I air dry/ or blow dry my hair and straighten.

At nights, I usually wrap my hair (brushing my hair around my head and securing with bobby pins) and then cover it with a silk scarf.  

How do you normally style your hair?

In terms of styling, I’m very boring. I just wear my hair down straight most days. On days when my hair doesn’t really co-operate (we all have those days), I usually just brush it into a neat bun/ponytail to avoid using the straightener.

What do you think of the natural hair movement?

To be honest, the natural hair movement did not really catch my interest as much until after Jhanelle made the decision to go au naturale. I love the natural look :)

Would you ever consider going natural? Why or Why not?

I definitely would consider going natural! Although, I have to admit that I’d be worried as to how to manage my hair, how to style it, and what I would look like. Straight hair is all that I know, since I started taking care of my own hair. But I’m sure Jhanelle would bombard me with help and support :P

Do you think that by relaxing your hair you're promoting the idealism that kinky hair is “bad” or “unmanageable” and that we need to “fix” it?

Overall, my hair doesn’t define who I am. I don’t believe that by relaxing my hair, I’m not being myself, nor does it mean that kinky hair is a bad thing. Kinky hair is a beautiful thing and so is straight hair. All that matters is that you feel amazing, and confident with how you look and whatever style of hair you choose to wear! :)

Apart from the obvious, what’s the best thing about being my sister? :D

No comment.

Social Media:

Twitter: _DSIMPSONN
Instagram: deeeesimps



 

[J: I wanted to do a post showcasing "The Other Side", aka our relaxed straight hair counterparts. I wanted to show that not everyone that relaxes their hair has self esteem issues or is unhappy with their hair situation. At the end of the day, it's all about healthy hair and my sister said it best: All that matters is that you feel amazing and confident with how you look. Whether it's curly or straight, and that is a choice every individual will make. But if my sister does decide to rock her natural hair, I'm hurrr! :) ]

[J: Dhanielle and I! <3 m'sister!]

Healthy Hair Smoothie: Green Monster

Hello lovelies!

You might remember an old post wrote entitled --> "Why Big Mac's Don't Grow Hair"

 It's important to remember physical hair care maintenance (i.e., your regime) is only a part of what promotes healthy hair. Healthy hair starts from the inside out. So, yes, it is true. Big Mac's don't grow hair...but Green Monsters do!!


WHAT YOU NEED

1 handful of Spinach

Why it's Awesome: Dark green veggies are good sources of iron and calcium, which help in the production of sebum (natural oil produced by the scalp).

 

1 cup of Almond Milk

Why it's Awesome: How is it NOT awesome?! Almond milk is the ish :D But for real, it's a great source of protein (and hair needs protein), fatty acids, zinc, potassium and the list goes on...

1 Banana

Why it's Awesome: It contains a whole host of vitamins, including Vitamin B and iron which are good for the hair.

Tip: Instead of using ice cubes, I'll freeze my banana's and use them in my smoothies. It also saves me from throwing out bananas as they turn brown, I just peel them and pop them in the freezer until I am ready to use them.

1 Apple

Why it's Awesome: It has vitamin A (that also helps in the production of sebum), vitamin E and B.

A dash of Flax Seeds

Why it's Awesome: Fatty acids in the flax seeds help to promote a healthy scalp and hydrate hair follicles.

Throw everything in a blender and voila: GREEN MONSTER!  It's good for your hair, taste good, and it doesn't scare kids.

Until next time, drink up!

:)

xx

J

Natural Hair Icon: Laura Izibor

"Curly hair is beautiful and I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Moisturizing Tips 101

A family member recently asked me about tips for combating dry hair. So that meant: blog post! :)

Curly hair is drier that our straight-haired counterparts because the natural oils produced by our scalp don't travel as easily down the curly hair shaft as it does the straight one. Think of it as it's easier to drive down a straight road than a winding one. Makes sense?

So how do I kick dry hair to the curb?

1. Moisturize and Seal

Coconut Oil is a great sealant!

I can't preach this enough. We do not have to be scared of WATER. Our hair loves it and it is the best moisturizer (it's also free!) 

Mist your hair with water (to moisturize) and use an oil to lock that moisture in (sealing). Oil alone does not moisturize, so DO NOT apply oil to dry hair. Moisturize as often as your hair needs it ... I moisturize daily because my kinky hair gets super dry.

Helpful Posts:

Moisturizing vs Sealing (The Difference)

Are you LOCing it?!? (Liquid, Oil, Cream)

2. Leave-in!


My favourite leave-in is Kinky Curly Knot Today



For added moisturize add a leave-in conditioner after you mist your hair. Water should be the first ingredient. A little goes a long way, so often times a dollar size amount will do. Too much can make the hair greasy. Avoid products that contain petroleum or mineral oil as they do not moisturize.

If you apply stylers or gel, apply them AFTER you moisturize your hair.

3. Deep condition!

Once a week. Our hair can get dry easily, so it needs the help! Apply a deep conditioner to your hair, throw on a shower cap or plastic bag (my fav) and sit under a hooded drier (or use a blow drier or hot towel) to apply heat for 15 or so min. The heat opens up the hair follicles to let the magic in....and then rinse and tada!

Helpful Posts

Condition Dem

Remix your Conditioner!

4. Hot oil treatments

Simple and easy. Take a combination of all the natural oils you have (I.e, EVOO, Coconut, castor, avocado) and heat them up. After you wash your hair, apply the oil mixture to damp hair. Throw on a plastic bag and let it sit for a few hours. Rinse and voila! Moisturized softness! Apply a leave in and you're ready to roll!

5. Conditioner Wash (Co-wash)

My Co-Wash of the moment... Yes To Carrots Pampering Conditioner

If you're hair is super dry it could be do to excessive shampooing. Shampoos are designed to strip the hair of dirt and oil. And this can leave the hair very dry.

Unless you're using A LOT of products such as gel or styling aids, there's no need to shampoo your hair weekly.

I shampoo my hair once a month if that. And I co-wash instead. Rinsing your hair thoroughly with water and using conditioner like you would shampoo can remove a lot if dirt etc. I co-wash once a week.

However, if you do use a lot of product it's important to cleanse your hair and scalp to prevent product build up. Healthy hair starts with healthy scalp. And make sure you condition to prevent excessive dryness.

6. Baggy method

To help retain moisture as you sleep, throw on a plastic bag or plastic shower cap on your hair. Often times we lose a lot of natural hair oil and moisture to our pillow! After all that hard work...you don't want that.

This can also help to be achieved by wrapping hair with a silk scarf.

7. Porosity

Understanding the porosity of your hair will go a long way in using the right methods to moisturize your locks.

Helpful Posts:

"Girl, your hair is so POROUS!"



Hope this helps! Do you have any tips for keeping your locks moisturized? I'd love to hear them!


Until next time.

xx J

El amor mira no con los ojos, sino con la mente

JHANELLE. BComm, Salsera, Naturalista, & Versatile Blogger

I've been nominated for a Versatile Blogger Award by Kay (Nappy Headed Black Girl)! Thanks hun! :)

First of all, I'd like to thank my Mom, because without her I wouldn't have the kinks in my hair....

Secondly, I'd like to thank all the people who believed in me!....LOL okay, I'll stop.

So what are the award rules? 

• Nominate 15 fellow bloggers
• Inform the bloggers of their nomination
• Share 7 random things about yourself
• Thank the blogger who nominated you
• Add the Versatile Blog Award picture to your post

7 Random Things About Me

1. I walk around with a bottle of ketchup in my purse....put that ish on everythang. Seriously though, I do.

2. I love cupcakes.

3. I bring 2 lunches to work, plus snacks. I am always eating.

4. I am on a salsa team (as in dance, not food lol)

5. I was born in Jamaica.

6. I like to do the Kevin Hart "Get Money" dance in public places. 'Get Money..Uh...Uh...'

7. I can't wink. I've tried and failed.

My Nominations

In no particular order...I only have 14:

Curly Strands

Elle (Lipstix Natural Chica)

Kinky Hair Affair

Coily Bella

Afroniquely You

Natural Nigerian

Knatural

Love Your Tresses

Mahogany Knots

The Naturaliste

JoJo (CurlyNuGrowth)

Angela (1Love Blog)

Hair of Heritage

Utter Nappyness



 I'm very proud to be a part of the Natural Community! :) Happy Blogging!

xx J

Peace. Love. and Afros.

Moisturizing vs. Sealing (The Difference)

via http://www.capitalmagazine.ca



 Hola lovelies!

So today's lesson is about the difference between moisturizing and sealing.

STEP 1: MOISTURIZING

A moisturizers job is to add moisture to the hair.

For example:

Water - the best moisturizer: hands down.

Leave in Conditioners - have conditioning and moisturizing properties. Look for products with water as the first ingredient. Avoid products that contain petroleum and mineral oil (bad bad bad).

STEP 2: SEALING.

If you don't seal in the moisture mentioned above, it'll dry out of your strands and your hair will remain dry.
Likewise, if you apply oil without water it won't moisturize, your hair will stay dry because oils don't moisturize. They act as a barrier, they seal water in but they can also seal them out. So the pomade your Mom would apply on your dry hair as a child ...ya, it wasn't moisturizing.

Oils and butters help to seal in the moisture from Step 1.

For example:

Coconut oil

Olive oil

Castor oil

Shea butter
Jojoba

It's a two step process that will lead to happier hair.

Peace. Love. and More Love.

:) J

Wash Day: ACV Rinse!

Hey lovelies!

So I just got back from Detroit today - was dancing/performing salsa this weekend :) Much fun!

After all the gel I used in my hair this weekend and with my scalp being slightly itchy...I decided to finally try an ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) rinse. I bought the bottle a month ago and never got around to it.

Some benefits of ACV:

- helps remove build up from hair products (i.e., stylers, conditioners, shampoos)

- helps to kill bacteria that causes dandruff and itchiness (scalp is too alkaline)

- Helps to balance the pH in hair. The pH in our hair is thrown off by many of the different hair products we use that are more alkaline or acidic in nature. Hair has an ideal pH of 4.5 to 5.5, which is close to that of ACV pH of 2.9 (mildly acidic).

Why you should care about balancing the pH in your hair:

More alkaline products ((i.e., hair coloring, relaxers) open up the cuticles on the hair shaft in order for the product to be able to penetrate the hair shaft. A "neutralizer" is then applied to flatten the hair shaft again, but often times the damage has already been done. This can lead to highly porous hair which can be damaging to hair health. For more on the porosity of hair, check out the post --> "Girl, your hair is so POROUS!"

More acidic products (i.e shampoos) help the cuticle to lie flat so it's easier to remove the oils and dirt.

If you don't care about the science behind it all lol just remember it's important to look for products that help balance the pH in your hair.

What you'll need:

(This recipe is from Naptural85)

1/4 cup of ACV

1 cup of water

Measuring cups

Squeeze or Spray bottle

1. I measured everything and mixed it all together in a squeeze bottle. Next time I'll use a spray bottle for easier application.

2. I cleansed my hair with DevaCurl No-Poo.

 

3. I then applied the ACV rinse all over my hair and scalp, massaged it in for about a minute and then rinsed.

My thoughts:

Holy clarifying! It definitely removed all product build up from my hair. It's like using a clarifying shampoo but natural.

It smells horrible by the way but a good rinse got ride of most of the smell. I applied my deep conditioner as usual after.

I loved it though and I was so surprised by how well it worked as a clarifier. I don't shampoo my hair regularly anyway because it's drying and I'll definitely be using this mixture in replace of shampoos in the future. I can't see myself doing it more than once a month or when my hair has build up because it is extremely clarifying.

Have you tried an ACV rinse? What are your thoughts?




Peace. Love. and Afros

:)

J

Diary of a 3B/3C Girl: "WTF Am I Doing To My Hair on Vacation"

Hello Dem Curls readers!

My back story

I'm a 3b/c girl dealing with the daily struggles of my hair type. I've been natural (relaxer and products) for about 2 years now and in the early days I cut my hair off (think Rihanna/Kelis short styles) in frustration hoping for it to ease my daily routine.

Frustrations/Curly Girl Problems/ The Ways My Hair Has Wronged Me

Frustration #1: My hair has split personalities: the front and back are more of a 3b personality but the middle is definitely 3c....what is a girl to do when she's dealing with two different curl patterns!?

Frustration #2: It is constantly dry. Water doesn't penetrate my hair and I go through conditioner like it's going out of style.

Frustration #3: It's high maintenance for any style other than the bun up-do. If I want to let my hair out I have to wet/rinse it every day to recover my curls. Otherwise my curls stretch out and retain odd, non-uniform shapes.

Now

It's been 12 months since I've been growing out my hair and currently it's in this weird shape that I don't know what to do with it other than to throw it up in a bun every day. I am getting it reshaped in a few weeks and I can't be more excited! Til then I've been traveling in South America and have been even more low key with my hair routine than usual

Mendoza, Argentina

I've taken 1 product.....and any other curly girl out there can probably guess what that one product is.....a conditioner! It's the one thing my hair probably could not live without (refer to hair frustration #2). It's a one step process I do every day when I shower and I either rinse it out or leave it in my hair as it's always in a bun. In this way I'm moisturizing it as I put it in a protective style while I continue to grow it out until I get it reshaped. It's also been an super quick and easy style to do as I run around on my little tours in the cities I visit. I'm able to look reasonably put together with little effort.

(In case anyone is wondering the conditioner I've been using is my favorite thus far and it's the Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment)

Until next time!

- Annalee

  

[J: Annalee was original featured on a Hair Profile --> Check Out Dem Curls: Annalee! She'll be doing a monthly feature for Dem Curls, entitled Diary of a 3B/3C Girl!  She also blogs about natural beauty products, check out her blog here--> Green Your Beauty]

Check Out Dem Curls...AGAIN: Evelyn!

- Evelyn -

Evelyn was originally featured on Dem Curls in July --> Check Out Dem Curls: Evelyn!

As an avid zouk-dancer and business management student with thick loose curls, I invited her back to share with us her new fabulously bold hair style!

She shaved it! :D

Describe your new hairstyle in 3 words.

Ecstatic. Comfortable. Unique.

What made you decide to shave your head?

I have curly hair and unless you’re going to straighten your hair and do something with it, there’s not too many styling options....unless you’re a hairstylist LOL

I also figured if my haircut was “out there” then I wouldn’t need to spend as much time styling it.

Is it everything you had hoped it would be?

Not the first time. I originally went to a hair dresser to get it cut and for some reason hair stylists are afraid to use clippers! But once I went to the barber, definitely! :)

What’s your favourite thing about your style?

The different designs I can do on my shaved head! :D

Any advice for those naturals looking to be a little adventurous and switch it up?

Look for ideas on the internet if you’re stuck on being creative. Don’t think about it too much and go for it! Hair grows back!

[J: I la-la-la-la-la-love her design! It looks amazing!]

Salsa y Cabello Natural! (Salsa and Natural Hair)

 

Hola Todos!

For those of you readers who don't know: I LOVE to dance. Accounting I do for a living...but it's dancing that I'm passionate about :) I danced Latin and Ballroom for 4 years and now I mainly dance Latin. I am currently a part of a Salsa team in Toronto. Apart from the ballroom dances, I also love Bachata, Kizomba and Zouk.



Salsa Performance - That's me on the far right.



So this post is entitled Salsa y Cabello Natural (Salsa and Natural Hair). I don't ever straighten my hair for dance, because it's too much of a hassle. It'll just start to frizz and go back to afro after a 3 minute salsa dance. I dance 2-3 times a week and I do yoga once a week, so I my styles have to be quick and simple. This post is tips for naturals on dealing with natural hair while maintaining a consistent exercise regime.



Pick a Style!

Twists: Simple and easy! I'll wear these during team practice or when I do hot yoga. It helps to keep it stretched during my most extreme sweating sessions (lol), so I don't have to deal with a tangled shrunken mess when I return home.

Twist Outs: I love my 'fro and I'll normally wear a twist out when I'm performing or when I go out; the bigger the better! My afro doesn't really shrink too much when I dance and in any case if it does I don't mind. However, I could never wear my afro to a hot yoga session...oh the shrinkage and tangles that would result!

 

There are tons of other protective styles: braids, cornrows, buns, ponytails, poofs, etc. The most important thing is you want something that's simple, quick and easy, but also protective. Pick the style that's best for your work out and when it doubt, put it up! Or try wrapping your hair with a scarf or wrap.

  

Salsa Performance

Co-Washing

Co-washing is like my best friend. I'll co-wash my hair after a hot yoga session or extreme night of dancing.

Build your regime around your work-outs

 

If I have twists in, I'll co-wash with the twists in my hair. Often times I'll come home from a Salsa night (i.e., late Friday night) and I'll have to go out the Saturday morning. I'll co-wash my hair, and add leave-in, oil and gel. I'll then put my hair into approx ten braids and I'll go about my business the next day with the braids in. I have the process down, so I can be in bed in less than an hour! When I'm ready to go dancing again on Saturday night, I'll remove the braids, fluff and go! It might take me an extra hour on Friday night before bed, but it'll cut down my styling time the next night.  Or sometimes if my curls are doing good, I'll just throw it in a poof the next day.



Poof - Salsa Dancing



Since I dance mostly on weekends (Friday-Sunday), I'll normally do my wash and DC on a Sunday or Monday evening. This way, I'm good to go for the next week!

If you're sweating a lot, it's important to cleanse your scalp frequently to avoid buildup and remove impurities. I only shampoo once a month, but I find that rinsing my hair and scalp thoroughly with water and then co-washing works well for me.



Twist Out - Afro Cuban Routine



It's important to plan your regime around your work outs, so that way neither your hair or your workout has to get compromised :)

 
What style do wear when you work-out? How do you fit your exercise in around your weekly hair regime?

xx

J

"Free your hair and the rest will follow."

Twist Out - Zouking